SHADES OF LIFE: The 'No One's Gonna Change Our World' Album

No One's Gonna Change Our World is a World Wildlife Fund benefit album released in the UK on December 12, 1969. It is the only multiple-artist compilation album to contain a recording made by the Beatles, Across The Universe.

The album was conceived of and planned in 1968 by Spike Milligan. Milligan was the co-creator, main writer and a principal cast member of The Goon Show, a comedy program which aired on the BBC from 1951 to 1960.

During the February, 1968 recording sessions, Spike Milligan visited The Beatles in the studio and upon hearing Across The Universe suggested the track would be ideal for release on a charity album he was organising for the World Wildlife Fund. John had intended for the song to be issued as a single while the group was away on their Transcendental Meditation trip to India, but Lady Madonna was used instead and the song was shelved. The Beatles later agreed to Milligan's proposal, and the track was subsequently mixed into stereo for the first time by George Martin. For No One's Gonna Change Our World, the sound of birds chirping was added at the beginning and end of the track to fit better with the wildlife theme and the song was sped up.

Liner notes

The album's back cover features liner notes by Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, which read, "A personal message from H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh: A meeting of the World Wildlife Fund was convened at Buckingham Palace on the 21st December, 1967. It was in the nature of a 'Talk In' with the view to stimulating new ideas. Among those present were several people form the entertainment world, on whose behalf Spike Milligan suggested making a long-playing record on which the Aritsts, Composers, Publishers, and Recording Companies would waive all fees. This record is the result of that idea. Royalties for its sale will go towards funds dealing with rare animals in danger of extinction. This in itself makes this a unique record. I can do no more than wish it great success."